A major careers fair is being held next month to help Southend youngsters explore options for the future.

The event at Shoeburyness Youth Centre, Delaware Road, Shoeburyness, runs from 9am to 4pm on Tuesday, 10 March, with at least 57 exhibitors offering information and advice about all aspects of further and higher education, training and jobs.The Careers Fair, organised by Southend Connexions is open to all young people in the borough currently in years nine through to year 14.Among those present from the education sector will be more than 20 universities - including Oxford and Cambridge - as well as further education providers and school sixth forms.Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Anne Jones said “Young people can find it a very bewildering time when they start to consider their next move, so we have arranged this Careers Fair to help them as much as we can to make informed choices.“This event, generously sponsored by Hi-Tec, gives a marvellous opportunity to meet face to face with people who represent a whole variety of establishments all in one place – and who can give vital advice.“We are very pleased so many organisations, educational opportunities, training providers and other services are taking part in the Careers Fair.“They will be there ready to speak directly with our young people, so we hope as many as possible will be able to come along to make the most of this chance.”We know how valuable the Careers Fair is to young people. Last year more than 1700 came along.”Helen Durant, Hi-Tec UK and Ireland Marketing Director said: “Hi-Tec are proud to support the efforts of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and nurturing and coaching Southend’s young people on the various exciting job opportunities. We look forward to meeting everyone at this event!”If you would like to attend the Careers Fair, or for more information, please contact: Donna Bruce at Southend Connexions on 01702 534300 or at donnabruce@southend.gov.ukExhibitors confirmed so far include:Education/TrainingChase High School Sixth Form; King Edmund School Sixth Form; YMCA; Catch 22; Southend Adult Community College; NCB Studio School; South Essex College; Writtle College; Essex Boys and Girls Clubs, National Citizen Service; Frontier; Southend United Community and Educational Trust; The LightBulb Ltd; The Equestrian Learning Centre; Seevic College; ITEC Learning Technologies; Crown Vocational Training; HIT training; Pearson College; Ipeco Holdings; Cilex;; PROCAT; NAS; BIMM Group Ltd;UniversitiesCambridge University; University of Greenwich; Anglia Ruskin University; Brunel University; University of Brighton; University of Exeter; London South Bank University; Oxford University; Bishop Grosseteste University; Bucks New University (High Wycombe & Uxbridge); Lincoln University; University of Worcester; University of Kent; Newcastle University; University of Essex; UCS; University of Surrey; University of Winchester; City University; The Open UniversityOtherFORD; Deloitte; SELEX; IFDS - International Financial Data Services; Southend-on-Sea Borough Council; Estuary Housing; VTS; SOS Domestic Violence Unit;Premier Children's Services; Hi-Tec; Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Essex Police; Essex Enquirer; YPDAT;